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extruder clean up

updated tue 7 nov 06

 

Chris Campbell on sat 4 nov 06


Elizabeth wrote -

'I really love my extruder but I do
not enjoy cleaning it.'

I am not an extruder guru but am
a fairly lazy type person always on
the lookout for an easier way to do
things ... I hate cleaning up.

I use plastic grocery bags.

Put the clay in the bag ...
mash it into the shape of the
extruder barrel ...
cut a small hole in the bottom ...
do the extruding ...
(you can even refill the bag)

when you are done you just pull
or push out the bag.

No clean up other than turning
the bag inside out.

Chris Campbell - in North Carolina

Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
9417 Koupela Drive
Raleigh NC 27615-2233

Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989

1-800-652-1008
Fax : 919-676-2062
website: www.ccpottery.com
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com

smdilley@sdcoe.k12.ca.us on sat 4 nov 06


The secret that has the west coast rejoicing is WD-40=2E Spray it on all
parts before filling with your favorite clay=2E Use extruder as you wish a=
nd
you will see how easy it is to clean afterwards, even keeps the steel part=
s
from rusting=2E
steve dilley

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Chris Campbell ccpottery@BELLSOUTH=2ENET
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2006 16:39:30 -0500
To: CLAYART@LSV=2ECERAMICS=2EORG
Subject: Extruder clean up


Elizabeth wrote -

'I really love my extruder but I do
not enjoy cleaning it=2E'

I am not an extruder guru but am
a fairly lazy type person always on
the lookout for an easier way to do
things =2E=2E=2E I hate cleaning up=2E

I use plastic grocery bags=2E

Put the clay in the bag =2E=2E=2E
mash it into the shape of the
extruder barrel =2E=2E=2E
cut a small hole in the bottom =2E=2E=2E
do the extruding =2E=2E=2E
(you can even refill the bag)

when you are done you just pull
or push out the bag=2E

No clean up other than turning
the bag inside out=2E

Chris Campbell - in North Carolina

Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
9417 Koupela Drive
Raleigh NC 27615-2233

Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989

1-800-652-1008
Fax : 919-676-2062
website: www=2Eccpottery=2Ecom
wholesale : www=2Ewholesalecrafts=2Ecom

=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=
=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=
=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=5F=
=5F
=5F=5F
Send postings to clayart@lsv=2Eceramics=2Eorg

You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
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Marcia Selsor on sat 4 nov 06


WD 40. A long ago tip from Linda Blossom . Probably in the archives
from the mid 90s.
Works great. I use WD 40 for mold release too.

Marcia Selsor
http://marciaselsor.com



On Nov 4, 2006, at 3:39 PM, Chris Campbell wrote:

> Elizabeth wrote -
>
> 'I really love my extruder but I do
> not enjoy cleaning it.'
>
> I am not an extruder guru but am
> a fairly lazy type person always on
> the lookout for an easier way to do
> things ... I hate cleaning up.
>
> I use plastic grocery bags.
>
> Put the clay in the bag ...
> mash it into the shape of the
> extruder barrel ...
> cut a small hole in the bottom ...
> do the extruding ...
> (you can even refill the bag)
>
> when you are done you just pull
> or push out the bag.
>
> No clean up other than turning
> the bag inside out.
>
> Chris Campbell - in North Carolina
>
> Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
> 9417 Koupela Drive
> Raleigh NC 27615-2233
>
> Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989
>
> 1-800-652-1008
> Fax : 919-676-2062
> website: www.ccpottery.com
> wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com

Dolita Dohrman on sun 5 nov 06


The WD-40 is a great idea. However, I REALLY hate the smell and it seems to
stay around forever. Would something like PAM (a cooking spray) work the
same way?
Dolita
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marcia Selsor"
To:
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: Extruder clean up


> WD 40. A long ago tip from Linda Blossom . Probably in the archives
> from the mid 90s.
> Works great. I use WD 40 for mold release too.
>
> Marcia Selsor
> http://marciaselsor.com
>
>
>
> On Nov 4, 2006, at 3:39 PM, Chris Campbell wrote:
>
> > Elizabeth wrote -
> >
> > 'I really love my extruder but I do
> > not enjoy cleaning it.'
> >
> > I am not an extruder guru but am
> > a fairly lazy type person always on
> > the lookout for an easier way to do
> > things ... I hate cleaning up.
> >
> > I use plastic grocery bags.
> >
> > Put the clay in the bag ...
> > mash it into the shape of the
> > extruder barrel ...
> > cut a small hole in the bottom ...
> > do the extruding ...
> > (you can even refill the bag)
> >
> > when you are done you just pull
> > or push out the bag.
> >
> > No clean up other than turning
> > the bag inside out.
> >
> > Chris Campbell - in North Carolina
> >
> > Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
> > 9417 Koupela Drive
> > Raleigh NC 27615-2233
> >
> > Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989
> >
> > 1-800-652-1008
> > Fax : 919-676-2062
> > website: www.ccpottery.com
> > wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.22/512 - Release Date: 11/1/06
>
>



--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.22/512 - Release Date: 11/1/06

Ingeborg on sun 5 nov 06


I found using WD 40 in my extruder made clean up much easier. However, my
hollow extrusions gave me fits. I had a lot of trouble with the extrusions
splitting at the seams. I quit using WD 40 and most of the splitting
stopped. Just something to think about.

I now just leave it as is and don't bother with any cleaning. The thin skin
of clay stuck to the inside edges of the extruder don't really affect any of
the extrusions.


Ingeborg

3058 Stringfellow Road
P.O. Box 510
Saint James City, FL 33956

http://www.thepottersworkshop.com



> The WD-40 is a great idea. However, I REALLY hate the smell and it seems
> to
> stay around forever. Would something like PAM (a cooking spray) work the
> same way?
> Dolita
>

Maurice Weitman on sun 5 nov 06


At 09:26 -0500 on 11/5/06, Dolita Dohrman wrote:
>The WD-40 is a great idea. However, I REALLY hate the smell and it
>seems to stay around forever. Would something like PAM (a cooking
>spray) work the same way?

Probably. But you only need a little bit of WD-40, and I would never
just spray the extruder with WD-40 (or any aerosol) from the can. I
buy WD-40 in liquid form, put a little bit on a rag and wipe the
surface that needs protection. (If you MUST use your aerosol can,
take it outside and spray some onto the rag.)

Using the aerosols will put enough of it in the studio (or kitchen)
air that you'll have plenty to breathe for quite a while.

But wait!!! Why do anything to the extruder? Is it the thin layer
of clay that adheres to the tube that's got you all atwitter? I've
found that in after a day's rest, it's just dyin' to fall out of its
own accord. And if you need it to come out sooner, a quick blast
with a heat gun will encourage its leap into your recyclage.

I'd prefer not having any lubricant on my clay, nice smell or no.

Regards,
Maurice

ps Sweet pots, Dolita!

William & Susan Schran User on sun 5 nov 06


On 11/5/06 10:32 AM, "Ingeborg" wrote:

> I found using WD 40 in my extruder made clean up much easier. However, my
> hollow extrusions gave me fits. I had a lot of trouble with the extrusions
> splitting at the seams. I quit using WD 40 and most of the splitting
> stopped.

I would imagine any lubricant sprayed on the inner die holder would prevent
the clay form re-joining after being split by the holder. The design of some
of these devices also requires very moist clay, otherwise splitting will
occur.
I would suggest using a vegetable spray instead of a petroleum based spray
lubricant and only spraying the barrel.


--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com

Ellen Currans on sun 5 nov 06


-----Original Message-----
From: curranset@aol.com
To: dohrman@insightbb.com
Sent: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 9:17 AM
Subject: Re: Extruder clean up

I've been using WD-40 in my studio for over l5 years. I use it as a=20
light film on stamps, and on the plastic, wood, ceramic, metal forms I=20
use to form most of my slab work. I do not use the spray bottle,=20
because I think that probably fills the air with minute particles of=20
"something" that I don't want to breathe. You can buy gallon cans of=20
WD-40 in almost any auto supply or farm hardware place. Anywhere where=20
men go to get stuff to overhaul engines, etc. It costs about $12 here=20
in Oregon, and even using it as I do, every day, it lasts for years. I=20
pour mine out into a small plastic squeeze bottle (like the ones that=20
come in hair coloring kits). I squeeze out just a little bit onto my=20
form and spread it around with a 1 1/2 inch foam brush. You will notice=20
a slight smell but it is not strong and it does not last long. This=20
allows me to make slab pieces without any concern about the clay=20
sticking to the form. I no longer can throw large salad bowls, but I=20
can coat a large wooden or plastic bowl with WD-40, lay in my clay=20
slab, compress it and decorate it, maybe even take it to the wheel and=20
form a rim. Set it up to dry to leather hard, turn, and perhaps throw a=20
foot rim. I have never had a problem throwing a foot ring on a slab pot=20
with a residue of WD-40.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0I also have used it for years on my extruder (not pug mill, as=20
someone wrote.) Starting with a very clean extruder, I spray (or brush)=20
WD-40 on the sides and bottom die. I do not put any on the top plunger=20
plate. After extruding, when you pull up the plunger, the leftover clay=20
plug comes up with the plunger and you can simply cut it off or leave=20
it on to fill in the top of the next plug. This will work for 3 or 4=20
plugs when you may have to repeat the WD-40.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0I have never noticed any problem from WD-40 in my recycled clay or o=
n=20
my fired pieces. It just goes away. Pam, as I experienced it, used the=20
same way, eventually leaves a sticky, hard residue which has to be=20
cleaned off. WD-40 is a cleaning agent. The name stands for Water=20
Dispersal- number 40 formula. It was created during the 2nd world war=20
for military use in cleaning and repairing equipment. We don't really=20
know what is in it, because the formula is patented and secret, but=20
there has even been a book written about all the wonderful uses of=20
WD-40.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0This is what I think I know about WD-40, and I couldn't make the sla=
b=20
work I do without it.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Ellen Currans=C2=A0
Dundee, Oregon=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0
-----Original Message-----=C2=A0
From: dohrman@INSIGHTBB.COM=C2=A0
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG=C2=A0
Sent: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 6:26 AM=C2=A0
Subject: Re: Extruder clean up=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0The WD-40 is a great idea. However, I REALLY hate the smell and it=20
seems to=C2=A0
=C2=A0stay around forever. Would something like PAM (a cooking spray) work=
=20
the=C2=A0
same way?=C2=A0
Dolita=C2=A0
----- Original Message -----=C2=A0
From: "Marcia Selsor" =C2=A0
To: =C2=A0
Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 9:03 PM=C2=A0
Subject: Re: Extruder clean up=C2=A0
=C2=A0
> WD 40. A long ago tip from Linda Blossom . Probably in the archives=C2=
=A0
> from the mid 90s.=C2=A0
> Works great. I use WD 40 for mold release too.=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> Marcia Selsor=C2=A0
> http://marciaselsor.com=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> On Nov 4, 2006, at 3:39 PM, Chris Campbell wrote:=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> > Elizabeth wrote -=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > 'I really love my extruder but I do=C2=A0
> > not enjoy cleaning it.'=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > I am not an extruder guru but am=C2=A0
> > a fairly lazy type person always on=C2=A0
> > the lookout for an easier way to do=C2=A0
> > things ... I hate cleaning up.=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > I use plastic grocery bags.=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > Put the clay in the bag ...=C2=A0
> > mash it into the shape of the=C2=A0
> > extruder barrel ...=C2=A0
> > cut a small hole in the bottom ...=C2=A0
> > do the extruding ...=C2=A0
> > (you can even refill the bag)=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > when you are done you just pull=C2=A0
> > or push out the bag.=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > No clean up other than turning=C2=A0
> > the bag inside out.=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > Chris Campbell - in North Carolina=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > Chris Campbell Pottery LLC=C2=A0
> > 9417 Koupela Drive=C2=A0
> > Raleigh NC 27615-2233=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989=C2=A0
> >=C2=A0
> > 1-800-652-1008=C2=A0
> > Fax : 919-676-2062=C2=A0
> > website: www.ccpottery.com=C2=A0
> > wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
=C2=A0=20
_________________________________________________________________________
=C2=A0
___=C2=A0
__=C2=A0
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your=20
subscription=C2=A0
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at=C2=A0
melpots@pclink.com.=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
> --=C2=A0
> No virus found in this incoming message.=C2=A0
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.=C2=A0
=C2=A0> Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.22/512 - Release Date:=20
11/1/06=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
>=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0
--=C2=A0
No virus found in this outgoing message.=C2=A0
Checked by AVG Free Edition.=C2=A0
=C2=A0Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.13.22/512 - Release Date:=20
11/1/06=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0=20
_________________________________________________________________________
=C2=A0
_____=C2=A0
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org=C2=A0
=C2=A0
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription=C2=
=A0
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at=20
melpots@pclink.com.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=20
________________________________________________________________________=C2=
=A0

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and=20
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from=20
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.=C2=A0
=C2=A0


________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and=20
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from=20
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

David Hendley on sun 5 nov 06


Spraying WD-40 into an extruder is a bad idea. It's like
contaminating your clay with oil. Nasty. Any kind of
slippery thing you mix with clay will not mix - it will
stay on the surface and may cause problems when you
try to join pieces or paint slip on the clay.

The best way to clean an extruder is to simply use the
extruder and then leave it to dry. The next time you want
to use it, just knock the dried clay out of the barrel. I
use a 3/4" Craftsman wrench, since it is handy for installing
my die holder. I just bang it around the barrel, kind of
like ringing the ole timey dinner gong. The only problem
is that it makes me hungry.
Then, as I am preparing the clay, I set my throwing water
bucket under the extruder and spritz the barrel a few
times with a spry bottle - this will dissolve and soften any
tiny pieces of clay that are still hanging around, and the
water goes in the bucket.

If the plunger of your extruder fits sloppily in the barrel,
so much clay will be left behind that it can actually be easier
to clean - sheets of clay will dry and fall of by themselves,
so the extruder is almost self-cleaning.

These methods are not, unfortunately, good in school or
shared studio situations, since you will be called a lazy slob
for not cleaning up after yourself, and it will be just that much
harder to clean the extruder if the clay is partially, but not
completely dry.

David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
david(at)farmpots(dot)com
http://www.farmpots.com

Chris Campbell on sun 5 nov 06


WD40 is like duct tape ...

everybody has a thousand uses
for it and we seldom use it for its
intended purpose.

Spray it or wipe it inside the barrel
and you get the WD40 on four
clay surfaces ... kind of forget
about it and re-wedge it and use
the clay about a week later ...

... that's the load of pots where you
cannot figure out what went wrong
since you did everything just the same
as always ...

The WD40 does not evaporate without
a trace ... you got that stuff on and in
your clay!

Chris Campbell - in North Carolina - maybe I will
spray some on my hands then wrap them in duct
tape and see if my dry skin gets smooth!
Please ... big grin and just kidding folks!


Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
9417 Koupela Drive
Raleigh NC 27615-2233

Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989

1-800-652-1008
Fax : 919-676-2062
website: www.ccpottery.com
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com

Carl Finch on sun 5 nov 06


At 02:49 PM 11/5/2006, Chris Campbell wrote:

>The WD40 does not evaporate without
>a trace

THAT is for sure!

Several years ago I bought a gallon of the stuff along with a little
trigger-operated spray bottle to apply it. After a year or so the spray
bottle no longer worked--the trigger mechanism and pump were completely
gunked up! And the exterior of the bottle was covered with a gummy residue.

Worst possible use for WD-40? Spray it into a keyhole to free up a
recalcitrant lock. It'll free it up for the time being, but eventually.....!

Read the label on a can of WD-40. Surprise--NOWHERE will you find the word
"lubricant!"

--Carl
in Medford, Oregon

Ellen Currans on mon 6 nov 06


Dear Chris,

Your experience is obviously different than mine. I cannot speak to=20
the use of WD40 with porcelain, but I know a lot of people who use it=20
as I described. When I brush a very fine film of WD40 on a form and=20
then lay the clay slab into the form, there is very little WD40 that=20
gets onto the scrap clay. The clay piece I make doesn't even seem to=20
absorb it. Turning it out the next morning I find a small amount of=20
moisture of some kind in the form and on the clay, which I wipe off=20
with kleenex. I have never had any kind of problem throwing feet or=20
adding feet to the bottom of pieces made with WD40. Once dry, you=20
could not tell what had been used, and after bisqueing it is definitely=20
all gone.

Likewise, I have never had the problem you suggest might happen with=20
WD40 getting wedged into my clay and ruining the next pots. All my=20
scrap is immediately put into plastic bags and repugged in a Venco. =20
The amount of WD40 I use in one session with my extruder (to make=20
square wall vases, or slugs for handle making) amounts to about 1=20
teaspoon. It gets repugged with at least l50 pounds of clay. Now, if=20
you are working with very small amounts of clay and reclaiming by=20
hand, and using WD40 each time you change the clay color, perhaps that=20
might be a problem. If you spray it in until it is dripping out the=20
bottom you are using too much. That said, I don't think cleaning an=20
extruder is that big a problem. Leave it open and the clay will dry=20
and come loose with a bit of whacking and scraping. I have to get on a=20
stool to do that, so I find it is just simpler to keep it clean as I go.

I use soft clay in my extruder and do not have a problem with my=20
extruded forms separating. I think that is more a problem of too hard=20
clay rather than WD40 resist.

My experience is with Cone 10 stoneware fired in a gas kiln, and it is=20
certainly possible that other clays, temps and methods may have=20
problems I'm not aware of.

Ellen Currans
Dundee, Oregon








Spray it or wipe it inside the barrel=C2=A0
and you get the WD40 on four=C2=A0
clay surfaces ... kind of forget=C2=A0
about it and re-wedge it and use=C2=A0
the clay about a week later ...=C2=A0
=C2=A0
... that's the load of pots where you=C2=A0
cannot figure out what went wrong=C2=A0
since you did everything just the same=C2=A0
as always ...=C2=A0
=C2=A0
The WD40 does not evaporate without=C2=A0
a trace ... you got that stuff on and in=C2=A0
your clay!=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Chris Campbell - in North Carolina - maybe I will=C2=A0
spray some on my hands then wrap them in duct=C2=A0
tape and see if my dry skin gets smooth!=C2=A0
Please ... big grin and just kidding folks!=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Chris Campbell Pottery LLC=C2=A0
9417 Koupela Drive=C2=A0
Raleigh NC 27615-2233=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989=C2=A0
=C2=A0
1-800-652-1008=C2=A0
Fax : 919-676-2062=C2=A0
website: www.ccpottery.com=C2=A0
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=20
_________________________________________________________________________
_____=C2=A0
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org=C2=A0
=C2=A0
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription=C2=
=A0
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/=C2=A0
=C2=A0
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at=20
melpots@pclink.com.=C2=A0


________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and=20
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from=20
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

m.mshelomi on mon 6 nov 06


I must begin by saying, "I hate having to clean...anything".

That being said, must add that keeping my tools in tip top
shape is important because they last longer and work better.

My newspapers come delivered in a plastic bag. I save those
bags for when I use the extruder. I put the clay inside the bag,
insert it into the barrel and go to it...

Clean up is a non issue. All that has to be wiped off is the die.

pottermim


----- Original Message -----
From: "David Hendley"
To:
Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2006 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: Extruder clean up


> Spraying WD-40 into an extruder is a bad idea. It's like
> contaminating your clay with oil. Nasty. Any kind of
> slippery thing you mix with clay will not mix - it will
> stay on the surface and may cause problems when you
> try to join pieces or paint slip on the clay.
>
> The best way to clean an extruder is to simply use the
> extruder and then leave it to dry. The next time you want
> to use it, just knock the dried clay out of the barrel.